Chelsea’s housing boss was rarely on the job

Michael E. McLaughlin, who abruptly resigned as Chelsea housing director last month after his $360,000 salary was revealed, put in only 15 full workdays in Chelsea all year.

JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF

Safe exit for last US troops out of Iraq

Weary of the war’s sacrifice, but proud they gave democracy a chance, the last unit out of the country reflects on nine long, hard years.

For Iowa’s evangelicals, no clear GOP favorite

There is no consensus this time among this faith community — except perhaps to support anyone but former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

Bus 19

Brothers seek a way up and out

George and Johnny Huynh want a better life — and they believe they can get it through school. They have to. It’s the only thing in their control.

Bus 19: The way up

Two brothers from Dorchester overcome many obstacles on their route toward a better future.

A fir pines to make the yuletide cut

I am one of 10,000 evergreens that grow on 10 acres at Vandervalk Tree Farm in Mendon, a small town beyond the southwestern reaches of Interstate 495.

Two communities are worlds apart

With their different economic pictures, Sherborn and Springfield illustrate the growing financial inequality in Massachusetts.

“They’re living on the side of a cliff, and any moment they can slip.”

Emmett Folgert,  a mentor to Dorchester teens George and Johnny Huynh

Metro

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Final ride at Santa’s Land

After 54 years, the Christmas theme park of colorful cottages, zoo animals, and retro attractions that has hosted generations of children and their families, is closing today.

Business

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ON THE JOB

The pop-up store: retail’s proving ground

Mika Nakafuji, a native of Japan, is testing the market in Boston for handmade, ethnic home accessories while fulfilling a dream of being her own boss.

Sports

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Jeff Green averaged nearly 10 points per game for the Celtics last season.

Celtics’ Green needs heart surgery

The Celtics yesterday revealed that small forward Jeff Green will miss the season after doctors discovered an aortic aneurysm that will require surgery.

Books

Best poetry books of 2011

A good epic poem is hard to come by these days, and it’s not just due to our kitten-like attention spans that there aren’t more of them out there.